Programs: A fabulous website which includes the WELLNESS VILLAGE, a one-click resource directory; a monthly newsletter, one-on-one consults, support groups, public awareness events, and fundraising events and opportunities

Community Stories

13 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

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The Parkinsons Resource Organization in its spirit of cooperation and unselfish commitment to assisting other Parkinson's Disease non profits stepped up and assisted us in promoting a Parkinson's themed cruise. In response to their direct marketing, a couple from the California area participated in our cruise to Alaska.

I have known Jo Rosen and The Parkinson's Resource Organization for more than 20 years. I first met Jo in Los Angeles ,when my father was diagnosed with a form of Parkinson's.
I must say ,that I don't know what I would have done, if I hadn't met Jo. She gave us all the comfort we needed, when you have been given what we thought was a life sentance.
Instead ,Jo gave us hope and resources beyond our imagination. We had a reason to live life to the fullest!
We found that not only was she dedicated to the Organization itself, but to each and every person afflicted with Parkinson'. She became that Angel that you pray for! Our gratitude is immeasurable. Linda S.

I got Parkinsons about eight years ago. The genetic link I know is weak but not in my case. My father, uncle, two blood aunts, and a great grandfather with the "shakes". But I have fought as hard as possible against it. I saw my father collapse quickly from it and vowed to myself that I would do all I could to put off its effects. I was a marathoner up until two years ago. I had to stop due to an unrelated problem. But I rode my bike 4,300 miles across the country four years ago. And I continue to log thousands of miles a year, quite a bit of which are gruesome hills and mountains. And I have been taking Kung Fu lessons for the past three years and Tai Chi as well. I highly recommend either cycling, Tai Chi or yoga as they strengthen the balance system. Please fight with all you have and you will hold off the effects and improve your strength and feelings of self worth.

I have known Jo Rosen since the late 90's. We became very good friends when she agreed to hold PRO meetings in her first nursing home in Glendora, California.At the time I was the director of Speech Therapy in the Rehab. Department in the nursing home. We continued our friendship and I continue to support PRO with donations. When time permits we visit with each other.Jo Rosen and PRO is the best nonprofit organization for people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers.

I have two stories :: One, my neighbor went to Jo Rosen's meetings a few times after her husband died and sure enough, she met a man who was mourning his wife and about two years later, the two of them fell in love and married! They are living happily ever after!!

Two: My mother, who had Parkinsons, loved music and had played the piano all her life. Now living with us, we looked for a piano teacher who was skilled in helping her play despite her tremors and her dementia. I called PRO and Jo Rosen put us in touch with a wonderful teacher, Susanne Shapiro, who taught my mother and had the patience of a saint! It was a godsend to have Ms. Shapiro help her lift her spirits and practice with her (and, it turned out very coincidentally, more than 40 years before, they had met at a mutual friend's dinner party in New York - 3000 miles east of where they now lived in Los Angeles)!!! Jo also recommended a terrific masseuse for my mother and she came every week to massage my mother's body with hopes of keeping it supple and flexible. My family cannot thank Jo Rosen enough for all both the physical and the spiritual help that she provided for my mother when she had Parkinsons, dementia and lived with us for almost seven years.Trying to give back, my husband was able to host several PRO functions in those years - which were always not only fun but very fulfilling. This organization - and Jo Rosen - deserve many kudos for the wonderful, important work they've been doing all these years....

When we discovered that my mother had Parkinson's, Parkinson's Resource Organization (PRO) was an absolute Godsend! I knew nothing about the disease, and they were there to help me, every step of the way. If I had a question or needed a referral, Jo Rosen or one of her associates answered my call or email immediately. Everyone who works at PRO shows compassion, empathy, and is always full of knowledge. No question or problem is too small, and I've always known how important my mother and all of us are to everyone working at this wonder organization. Thank you, Jo Rosen, for your continued love and support for all those who suffer with Parkinson's and their caregivers. You and PRO are appreciated more than you will ever know.

I have a wife who has had PD for about 10 years. Over a year ago I discovered PRO and Realizing I needed some help and an opportunity to vent because I was getting overwhelmed by it all. I searched the web for a PD organization that held Caregiver meetings. PRO had a Caregiver only meeting and I attended. As I sat in the meeting and listened to the Host and caregivers and asked questions, I was just besides myself with excitement about finally finding an organization that had exactly what I needed. Have been attending ever since and I am still excited about the meeting where we can talk about any area of PD or the Caregiver's stress and get good information and insight from one another or PRO's president Jo Rosen by phone. An example of this is when I talked to Jo about my wife's doctor changing and increasing her medication which troubled me. She suggested a second opinion and provided the name of a doctor in my area. Since that time we have been seeing another doctor that established a plan to reduce her current medications and my wife seems to be getting back a lot of her old personality and the dementia, that really concerned me, has diminished some. All because of the support of PRO. Thanks PRO.

Love Parkinson's Resource Organization, Jo Rosen is a wonderful dedicated lady,A great resource of information, very approachable....has the answers to all the questions!! She has set up so many support groups for people with Parkinson's &caregivers.

Jo Rosen, founder and President of Parkinson's Resource Organization is nothing short of a POWERFUL Freight Train! She never stops giving to her Parkinson's community and continues to connect patients with vital information, consultation, guidance and encouragement 24/7 Her organization is unique in that they are NOT subsidized by BIG BUSINESS, they are sustained by the donations and gratitude of her clients and followers. I have heard many times of people coming to her in shambles, recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, devastated by the news and having NO IDEA where to turn. What's next, what's best, how do I move forward with my life?The Parkinson's Resource Organization team is small and yet they answer every call and every email personally. Jo reviews every piece of communication to insure her clients get the absolute best information and support. PRO plays a vital role in the world of Parkinson's disease. With a kind heart, commitment to serving others and a heart dedicated to those on the Parkinson's journey, I can't think of another organization more deserving of recognition.

With Parkinsons Disease, there is a lot of noise but little of substance for the person with PD. Parkinson Resource Organization is that voice for those affected by PD. Questions are asked and answered, information is put out that is timely and relevant. Our concerns are heard and addressed with honesty and compassion. Jo Rosen always has something or someone available with pertinent information. The Wellness Village is a wealth of information and/or services. We learn so much from Jo, her staff and her willing cadre of caring resource people!

This Non-Profit for Parkinson's, Has the best resources you can have in the Wellness Village and sees to be growing everyday. The support groups are so informative that you cannot help but to be helped. Jo Rosen is amazing and you can feel the love and warmth she has for all the people that are helped through PRO. Seriously, if you or a loved one has Parkinson's and needs a resource in any area, be it balance training, or just a hug. This is the place.

Sadly I have several friends suffering with Parkinson's Disease. The husband of one woman was exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally and I couldn't help them. In desperation I reached out to PRO and they were not only caring and compassionate, but gave me the ideas that this couple needed to get their lives back on track. Thank You PRO !

Parkinsons Resource Organization (PRO) is a small nonprofit with a huge heart and a huge mission. As a caregiver for my husband, who battled Parkinsons from a relatively young age, and now as a CNA in a skilled nursing facility, I have found that PRO is a resource I turn to for information, for support, and for inspiration. The newsletter is simply outstanding with articles that are both helpful on a day-to-day basis and are keeping us up-to-date on advancements in treatments. I really appreciate that the contributors to the newsletter come from various disciplines, including medical, financial, dental, and from caregivers themselves so that I get a well-rounded view of what's going on in the world of Parkinsons.I would highly recommend PRO to anyone dealing with Parkinsons in any capacity. This is an organization that will go out of its way to meet your needs.